By Allison Wray
Ephesians 3:18 (Living Bible) - May you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is, and to experience this love for yourselves.
I have been a member at Broadmoor UMC ten years. As I look back over this time, I am reminded of many instances where I experienced God’s love and laughter through friendships with church members both in and outside my Sunday School class. We have served at different functions together as well as joined each other in Bible studies and prayer. I appreciate all these opportunities to fellowship with one another at Broadmoor.
I remember a specific time in the past when some Broadmoor church members showed God’s love to me in a very meaningful way. It was in September, 2011. I was living in Charlotte, NC with my son, Matt. He had recently been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and was about to begin treatment with a Charlotte doctor who specializes in this illness. Since this treatment could last a year or more, Matt lived in an apartment close to the doctor’s office.
Matt was too sick to live on his own and I felt like God was telling me to stay in Charlotte and care for him as well as drive him to his doctor appointments. This was a difficult time for me because I was away from family, friends and church family for many months.
One afternoon an apartment employee brought me a large box which I had received in the mail. I couldn’t imagine what it was since I had not ordered anything. When I opened the box, I was surprised and overwhelmed at its contents. My UMW circle group (Evening Circle) had packed a care package for me. They had given me Dove chocolates, Pepperidge Farm cookies, inspirational books, bubble bath, lotions, a cookbook, crossword puzzle books, music CD’s, and cards with uplifting messages and prayers. Also included was a soft fuzzy pink bathrobe.
Every year when the weather is cold and I wear this bathrobe, I fondly remember that day in September when I was showered with God’s love through the gifts of my Circle friends.